Penguin against a blue sky by James Welch

Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)

Use your passion for photography to inspire people about the environment.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
3 years / 4 years
Attendance
Full-time / Placement year
UCAS code
WF67/FY20/PY37

Course overview

The outdoors will be your studio. You’ll master how to communicate scientific ideas and conservation stories through still and moving images, raising awareness of global issues including habitat loss, climate change and plastic pollution. For your final major project, you can follow the lead of former students who’ve returned from destinations worldwide with powerful and thought-provoking stories.

You will:

  • Take part in regular field trips
  • Have the option to learn professional underwater photography
  • Take your skills to the industry through work placements, which form a key part of the second year
  • Organise and complete a self-devised project in your third year, mirroring an industry brief, which could be based anywhere in the world
  • Be supported by staff who are global practitioners in photography, filmmaking, art, science and exploration
  • Build technical expertise using our cutting-edge photographic equipment, as well as studios, post-production suites and dark rooms

The Integrated Foundation Year and placement year pathways for this course are new for entry year 2023 and subject to validation.

Lead image by James Welch.

Course details

On this Marine & Natural History Photography degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or the option to study Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with an Integrated Foundation Year and/or placement year. 

Blending professional practice with theoretical knowledge, this environmental photography course will help you develop the critical understanding essential for your future career. You'll also have the chance to gain real-world experience during and after your studies through our relationships with agencies and conservation trusts, and paid opportunities through our in-house photo agency.

BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography course video

You'll practice photographic skills alongside research and critical thinking. During this year, you'll explore biodiversity and habitat, as well as the marine environment, and will participate in a number of local field trips to land and marine environments.

Modules

Developing Practice

You'll be introduced to basic photography skills and camera techniques.

Research and Critical Thinking

Learn how to generate ideas, understand the impact of photography and improve your writing.

Biodiversity and Habitat

Study the intricate web of life in a local habitat.

Exploring Practice

More advanced photographic skills and camera techniques.

Communicating Nature

Learn to communicate scientific ideas through text and photographic sequence.

The Marine Environment

Explore and photograph the seashore and oceans. Within this module you will also be given the opportunity to explore underwater photography if you're a qualified scuba diver and wish to participate. To qualify for underwater photography you must have achieved the PADI Rescue diver qualification (or equivalent ie. BSAC Sport diver) by October of your starting Academic year. 

Alongside studying moving image and still photography, you'll develop your research and critical thinking skills, explore global conservation, and get ready for your own research project.

Modules

Moving Image and the Natural World

Work in groups to create a short film.

Photography of the Natural World

Learn about natural history photography and develop your own portfolio.

Conservation and its Representation

Examine conservation issues and learn how photography and moving image can make an impact.

Independent Practice

Create your own short film and photographic story.

Culture and the Environment

Devise a research project focused on an issue that interests you.

Work Experience

Spend a short period of time undertaking work experience in a relevant professional context.

You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year. 

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your placement year 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

You'll keep building your photographic skills, develop your final portfolio and dissertation, and prepare to enter the industry.

Modules

Project Development

Begin to develop a major project using still photography or moving image.

Dissertation

Research and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Major Project

Complete your major project and develop a professional portfolio.

Professional Profile

Build your profile to a professional standard and make contacts within the industry.

Why study an Integrated Foundation Year route? 

If you’re taking on a new subject that you haven’t studied in depth before, have been out of education for a while or have a non-standard educational background then an Integrated Foundation Year degree may be the right choice for you. It is a four-year degree with an Integrated Foundation Year to start, which allows you to explore the primary elements of your subject before progressing on to the remaining three years of the BA(Hons) degree. 

What you'll study in your Foundation year

If you choose this pathway, you'll study five core modules in your Foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs. 

Modules

Explore

You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.

Technique

You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.

Apply

You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.

Industry

You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.

Launch

You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.

After the Foundation year, you progress into Year One of the full three-year degree, equipped with a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject. 

 

 

If you apply for and enrol onto a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year, you’ll have the option to switch onto a five-year version including a placement year. That means you’ll complete the first three years of your course before completing a placement in industry in your fourth year and returning to Falmouth for the fifth year of your programme. 

The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 and subject to validation.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through field trips, photographic and scientific excursions, technical workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials. The Marine & Natural History Photography course includes an optional underwater programme with dive tuition and international photo shoots. There will also be chances to join photographic expeditions to places like the Galapagos Islands, Borneo and the Red Sea, and to take on national and international placements.

Students have previously created projects that have documented climate change in Norwegian glaciers, conducted research in the Ecuadorian rainforest, and filmed conservation work in the Amazon rainforest.

At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.

How you'll be assessed

100% of your assessment will be coursework. 

Assessment methods

  • Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based
  • Continuous assessment with no formal examinations
  • Portfolios, presentations and essays
  • End of year project and exhibition

 

    What our students do

    As a student on this Marine & Natural History Photography degree, you'll have the opportunity to join international expeditions to locations such as the Red Sea and the Galapagos Islands.

    Check out the stories below to see what our students have been up to lately.

    Student showcase 2021 | Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)

    Stories from our community

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    Staff

    You’ll be guided and supported by practising photographers, scientists and explorers. Their careers span working and exhibiting photographs internationally, producing wildlife films and leading expeditions.

    Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

    Dr Daro Montag

    Associate Professor of Art & Environment

    Daro Montag's art practice has, for many years, been involved with environmental and ecological issu...

    Dr Daro Montag

    Adrian Brown

    Senior Lecturer, BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography

    Adrian is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography and heads the t...

    Adrian Brown

    Anna Roberts

    Marine & Natural History Film Tutor

    Following my Zoology degree at Manchester University, I made my first documentary in the Himalayas, ...

    Anna Roberts

    Dr Joanna Henley

    Senior Lecturer

    I am a marine educator with a PhD in the visual communication of marine science. I joined the M...

    Dr Joanna Henley

    Feargus Cooney

    Associate Lecturer

    I have been teaching on Marine and Natural History Photography since 2014. Having a double set of qu...

    Feargus Cooney

    Dr Huw Lewis-Jones

    Associate Professor of Environment and Culture

    Dr Huw Lewis-Jones is an environmental historian and expedition leader.  Huw ...

    Dr Huw Lewis-Jones

    Oliver Udy

    Head of Photography

    Oliver Udy is a photographer, publisher and general facilitator of things.Udy joined Falmouth Univer...

    Oliver Udy

    Dr Tim Cockerill

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Tim Cockerill is a zoologist, broadcaster and photographer. Tim specialises in documenting a...

    Dr Tim Cockerill

    Claire Braithwaite

    Lecturer BA (Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography

    Claire Braithwaite is an artist and photography educator with over 12 years experience teaching acro...

    Claire Braithwaite

    Kate Bell

    Photography Technician

    I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 2007 with a First Degree Hons in BA Photography. During ...

    Kate Bell

    Jane Morgan

    Dive Safety Officer and Dive Technician

    Jane's career began as an IT trainer at News International in London. However, after discovering a p...

    Jane Morgan
    Helen Perkins staff picture

    Helen Perkins

    Dive Safety Officer

    I graduated from Plymouth College of Art and Design in 2000 where I specialised in fine art landscap...

    Helen Perkins
    Dave Mann staff profile image

    Dave Mann

    Technical Instructor

    I have worked as a professional photographer and photography educator&n...

    Dave Mann

    Facilities

    • Multiple studios, darkrooms and print suites.
    • Photography store containing a wide range of professional equipment free to loan.
    • Macro and long lenses, macro flash, infrared triggers and time-lapse and underwater cameras.
    • Digital suite with Adobe software.
    • Photo-microscopy laboratory.
    • Digital and traditional processing facilities.
    • Walled garden with fully equipped hide for nature study, photography and filming.

    Take a virtual tour

    Falmouth Photography lecturer using camera equipment in a studio
    Photography lecturer using camera equipment

    Photography Facilities

    Housing dark rooms, post-production suites, full professional studios and gallery, our Institute of ...

    Photography Facilities
    Library interior with 'group study' written on large pillar and students reading
    Penryn library group study area

    Library Facilities

    Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

    Library Facilities
    Falmouth University Sports Centre building exterior with blue sky and a path
    Sports Centre - Outside
    Sports Centre

    Sports Centre

    Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...

    Sports Centre

    Careers

    Our graduates have worked as:

    • International Filmmaker with Sir David Attenborough’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, for the BBC
    • Principal Cameraman for Channel 5 series Alaska: A Year in the Wild
    • Photographer for BBC Wildlife magazine
    • Field Assistants for a loggerhead turtle programme in Kefalonia
    • Researcher in the BBC Studios Natural History Unit

    How to apply

    Apply via UCAS

    Ready to join us? You can apply through UCAS. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).

    Apply now

    Applying as an international student? 

    International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our international applications page.

    International applications

    Course route UCAS code
    Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) three year degree WF67
    Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year (new for entry year 2023) FY20
    Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with placement year (new for entry year 2023) PY37

    We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

    Course route Entry requirements
    BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
    BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with placement year 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
    BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

    Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

    If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

    If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

    For starting your studies in 2023

    UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)

    Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.

    International fee payers

    International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

    Entry requirements for optional Underwater Photography module

    • PADI Rescue diver or equivalent ex. BSAC Sport diver
    • Medical clearance to dive. 

    For more information, click the button below:

    Underwater Photography Registration
     

    What we're looking for

    We want someone who:

    • Shows genuine passion for photography and the natural world.
    • Shows a reasonable level of technical knowledge and skills.
    • Has good visual awareness.
    • Can research, write and analyse to a reasonable level.
    • Intelligently and articulately expresses ideas and responds to questions

    Fees, costs & funding

    Tuition fees

    Annual tuition fee Student
    £9,250 per year Full-time UK
    £17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
    Annual tuition fee Student
    £9,250 per year Full-time UK
    £17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
    £1,850 per placement year Full-Time UK and EU/international

    Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

    The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

    Typical course costs

    • £500-£1,000 - A digital SLR camera of reasonable quality (if not already owned) with manual over-ride to any automatic settings.
    • £350 - Recurring annual costs
    • £400 - Appropriate kit and clothing
    • £600-£650 - One off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
    • £3,800 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration

    If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

    Additional typical course costs for Integrated Foundation Year pathway

    • £250 for materials
    • A laptop/desktop computer
    • Adobe Creative Suite

    In order to participate in our digitally enhanced learning approach, you'll need to have a personal laptop/desktop computer. Depending on your subject, you may need a specific type of computer. If you're unsure about what you might need, please contact our course advisors.

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

    From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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    From visiting campus to online application advice, get all the information you need about joining our creative community.

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